Meet Danielle DeHanes

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danielle DeHanes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Danielle, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I get my work ethic from my grandparents. They taught me at a young age what it was to get up and work for your own business. My grandfather Joe always had his own mill working business and during the weekends I would go with him to his shop to work. Whether that was cleaning up, doing paperwork, computer stuff, assembling cabinets, etc.. My other grandfather Robert had a toy train company, Trains by DeHanes. He made them in our basement and we would travel the country during the summer to sell them at various train shows. I’d help put stickers or small parts on the trains, package them, load & unload them, set up the table and sell. Both of my grandfathers are gone and so are their businesses, this little company is my way of passing the torch to my kids.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Glitter Mafia started from a very personal need. My daughter Liberty has multiple food and medical allergies, along with eczema, and the typical two-step glitter prep process was really aggravating her skin. After a lot of trial and error, we finally discovered a formula that didn’t irritate her — and that’s when the idea sparked. We thought, ‘If this works for her, maybe it could help other cheerleaders too.’

That simple solution grew into something bigger. We spent countless late nights experimenting with different formulas, textures, and color combinations until we created something that was not only gentle on skin but also fun, effective, and mess-free. When we shared our creations in a cheer crafting community, the response was overwhelmingly positive. People connected with our story — and that’s when we knew we were onto something special.

Since then, Glitter Mafia has expanded far beyond glitter. We now offer a growing line of cheer-related items and accessories designed to make every competition day easier, more organized, and a little more fabulous. What began as a solution for one child has become a shimmering brand built for every cheerleader who wants to stand out — safely and confidently.

As we’ve grown, we’ve also expanded to include a team of incredible brand ambassadors. These athletes don’t just represent Glitter Mafia — we represent them. They work hard, train relentlessly, and bring passion to everything they do, so we make it a priority to spotlight their talent, not just their sparkle. Whether they’re stunting, tumbling, or competing, we believe their athletic abilities deserve to be celebrated. Glitter Mafia is more than a brand — it’s a family, built on support, empowerment, and the love of the sport.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d definitely say being exposed at such a young age to a family of small business owners that faced many triumphs and challenges were very impactful on this journey. I saw the early mornings, long nights, epic fails, beautiful outcomes.. I don’t think we would have made it this far if that exposure wasn’t there. Having people skills is really important especially when you are self promoting. No one is going to believe in your brand unless you do and no one is going to spread the word unless you do. I think one of our greatest qualities is that my daughter and I are very competitive; we don’t give up. We may take the third place, but we are coming back for second next time and ultimately eyeing first. You have to have some sort of resilience in you to be a business owner. Some days will be amazing, others days, not so much. But it will all even out.
For everyone that’s early in their journey the best way to improve in these areas is just to get out there. Step out of your comfort zone. Join the Facebook group and promote your items, share your posts, talk about what you sell. Strangers will usually support you more than your friends and family.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

While Glitter Mafia was founded with cheerleaders in mind, our sparkle doesn’t stop there. Our glitter is for everyone — dancers, gymnasts, fashionistas, festival-goers, and anyone who loves to stand out. We believe sparkle is a form of self-expression, and there’s no limit to where or how it can shine. Whether you’re hitting the mat, the runway, or the main stage, Glitter Mafia is here to help you do it boldly, beautifully, and with a whole lot of glitter.

That’s why we seek to collaborate with individuals and brands who embody confidence, creativity, and community. We’re drawn to athletes, performers, and creators who work hard, shine bright, and support others while doing it. From coaches and fellow small businesses to influencers and event organizers, we want partners who aren’t afraid to stand out and lift others up. At the heart of it all, we value authenticity, athleticism, and a fierce dedication to empowering young talent. If you believe in hustle, glitter, and heart — you’re our kind of person.

Here’s how we can be reached

📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.glittermafia.net
📸 Instagram: @glittermafia2.0
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/glittermafia

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.glittermafia.net
• Instagram: @glittermafia.20
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/glittermafia